The twenty-four elders

Revelation is a fascinating book and it is so timely for these troubling days. What a wonderful promise is given to those who delve into it. "Blessed is the one who reads, hears and heeds this book." (Revelation 1:3) Here and in Joshua 1:8 are the only two places in theBible where such a promise is found.

Revelation is filled throughout with symbols and mind-boggling scenes but they portray real events yet to unfold on our planet.

What an intriguing sight the imprisoned John saw on the Lord's day as he was taken in a vision to the throne room in heaven. There sat 24 elders on thrones around the throne of God. Who are these elders dressed in white robes with crowns of gold on their heads?

Throughout Revelation it is notewory that those clad in white, clean and bright attire are believers in Jesus. These have crowns of gold upon their heads. Interestingly, in the Bible only saints (believers) of the Church Age are promised crowns as rewards. This seems to indicate these elders have been at the Judgment Seat of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Thus, these elders may represent the raptured church.

1. In 1 Chronicles 24:6-19, the Levitical priesthood had 24 shifts of service. In 1 Peter 2:5-9 and Revelation 1:6, believers are called priests. This was accomplished at Calvary when God tore the veil that sheltered the Holy of Holies from top to bottom. Thereafter the Levitical priesthood was no longer necessary. Every believer has free access to God through Jesus. "I am the way, the truth and life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

2. Their position seems to indicate it is an eldership and thus they are not simply individuals. (Acts 15:2; 20:17)

3. Their testimony to the Lamb (Jesus) is distinctive. "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals, for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation and have made us kings and priests to our God and we shall reign on earth." (Revelation 5:9-10)

How blessed we are that John was obedient to Christ's command "Write the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter." (Revelation 1:9)

Indeed, these elders seated before our awesome God give us one bird's eye glimpse of the future. Praise the Lord! Jesus promised he'd come and take us to be with him. (John 14:2, 3) Then we can see those elders and understand all. What a glorious day that will be!